Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Organization for Outdoor Recreation Professionals

The Organization for Outdoor Recreation Professionals is a student run organization designed to enhance the Outdoor Recreation, Leadership and Management major while drawing on and focusing student’s passion for recreation and the natural environment. While the majority of its members are ORLM majors or minors, all NMU students are welcome.

Throughout the year, OORP is involved in many different activities which are beneficial to the school, the community, the environment and its members. Some of the activities that we participate in are:

local recreation area cleanups

volunteer work through the nature center

volunteer work with under-privileged or at-risk youth

organizing hikes for various university and community groups

professional conferences across the nation including, but not limited to:

National Association for Interpretation

Student Outdoor Educators Conference

Wilderness Education Association

Association for Experiential Education

Workshop presentations for campus and the Marquette community

The organization and facilitation of guest speakers, movies and other presentations with recreation focuses that are of interest to the student body and Marquette community. Some of the past events have been:

Peter Jenkins, author of A Walk Across America

Conrad Anker, Mt. Everest mountain climber

Joe Jencks, singer/songwriter

Frita Warra, local woman who explored the North Pole

Scout Cloud Lee, Survivor finalist

Warren Miller films

Vince Duer, Freshwater surfer and movie producer

Paul Petzoldt

Joseph Cornell

Gary Ferguson

Participate in outdoor activities that allow members to apply skills learned in the classroom as well as the physical skills not extensively taught in the major.